White-necked Raven
Corvus albicollis
Typical, heavy-billed raven, but with the unusual addition of a white wedge on the back of the neck. Flight is powerful and heavy; sometimes soars. Found in a variety of habitats in rocky or mountainous country. Usually in pairs or small flocks; feeds by walking along the ground. Call is a rough “krrraw.” Larger than Pied Crow, with a heavier bill and much less white. Similar to Thick-billed Raven, but shorter-tailed, smaller-billed, and with a more extensive white patch on the neck.
Identification
The white-necked raven has a much shorter tail than the common raven, as well as a deeper bill with a white tip that is almost as strongly arched as that of the thick-billed raven. Though predominantly black, the throat, breast and neck show a faint purple gloss. There is a large patch of white feathers on the nape of the neck.<p>Soars well with shallower wingbeats than other Corvidae.<p>Often described as a raven with a sore throat, it has very similar calls to the common raven, but with a more husky note. It has a croak like the other raven species but with a more whispering note. Like all corvids, the White-necked raven is capable of vocal mimicry. However, this behavior is only ever recorded in captivity.
Taxonomy
Genus: Corvus; Family: Corvidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Corvus albicollis
- Authority
- Latham, 1790
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Corvidae
- Genus
- Corvus
Range and habitat
It occurs in eastern and southern Africa in open, mountainous country. It is quite commonly found in small towns and villages as long as there are mountains or hills for roosting and nesting relatively nearby.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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